Common Buzzard (also known as Steppe Buzzard)
Kingdom: Animalia, Phylum: Chordata, Class: Aves, Order: Accipitriformes, Family: Accipitridae, Genus: Buteo, Species: Buteo buteo
Family: Accipitridae (Hawks, Eagles, and Old World Vultures)
- Shape
- Slightly asymmetrical with a broad, rounded tip and a gentle curve along the rachis. The inner vane is significantly wider than the outer vane, which is typical for secondary feathers.
- Size
- Approximately 18–22 cm in length. This matches the standard secondary feather size for a medium-sized Buteo hawk.
- Rarity
- Common. It is one of the most frequently seen raptors across its range.
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Description
These feathers belong to a medium-to-large raptor with broad wings and a short, fan-shaped tail. The Common Buzzard is highly variable in plumage, ranging from very dark brown to almost white, but the barred pattern on the secondaries is a classic diagnostic mark. In flight, they are characterized by their soaring circles and occasional mewing call.
Colour & Pattern
Features a dark brown terminal band with a series of 5-7 irregular wavy transverse bars on a creamy white base. The dorsal side is darker and more contrasted than the ventral side, which appears more muted and silvery.
Barb Structure
The structure is primarily pennaceous and tightly interlocked with distal hamuli (hooklets) for aerodynamic integrity. The base shows a small plumulaceous (downy) section for insulation.
Texture & Surface
The surface is smooth and somewhat matte with a stiff, resilient vane. It lacks the velvety 'hush' texture of an owl feather, indicating a diurnal raptor.
Key Features
The distinctive 'wavy' brown bars against a white background on the inner vane and the rounded, broad tip are diagnostic for Buteo buteo secondaries.
Habitat
Highly adaptable, found in open woodlands, farmland, pastures, and occasionally urban fringes with nearby nesting trees.
Geographic Range
Widespread throughout Europe and Asia; many populations are resident, while northern and eastern subspecies (like the Steppe Buzzard) migrate to Africa and Southern Asia for winter.
Ecological Role
An apex predator and scavenger that controls rodent populations. They are vital indicators of environmental health and the abundance of small mammal prey.
Similar Species
Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus) has more distinct, straighter bands. Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis) secondaries are similar but generally found in North America and have more regular spacing.
Interesting Facts
The Common Buzzard is known for its extreme plumage polymorphism; two birds of the same species can look entirely different. In the UK, they were once persecuted nearly to extinction but have made a massive comeback.
Condition Notes
The feather appears to be in Good condition with some minor wear at the edges (fraying) and slight separation of the barbs near the base, likely a naturally molted specimen.